Dynamic Imaging in Living Cells: Windows into Local Signaling

Donald M. Bers^*

Department of Physiology, Loyola University Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine, 2160 South First Avenue, Maywood, IL 60153, USA.

Summary: Highly localized changes in intracellular calcium concentration [Ca²⁺]_i play a critical role in regulating numerous cellular functions, ranging from muscle contraction to neurotransmitter and hormone secretion to gene transcription. Fluorescent Ca²⁺ indicators have been invaluable tools in elucidating the role of localized changes in [Ca²⁺]_i in regulating ion channels and other key proteins in various signaling pathways. Other techniques used to investigate localized changes in [Ca²⁺]_i include approaches based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer, and electrophysiological measurements of ionic flux through Ca²⁺-sensitive channels. This Perspective discusses research using fluorescent Ca²⁺ indicators to study excitation-contraction coupling in cardiac myocytes, presenting both key findings and limitations of this approach. Complementary approaches useful in studying localized changes in Ca²⁺ and other second messengers (such as cyclic adenosine monophosphate) are also discussed.

*Contact information. Telephone, 708-216-1018; fax, 708-216-6308; e-mail, dbers{at}lumc.edu

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In Science Signaling

PERSPECTIVES
Cardiac Physiology
Does Contractile Ca²⁺ Control Calcineurin-NFAT Signaling and Pathological Hypertrophy in Cardiac Myocytes?

Steven R. Houser and Jeffery D. Molkentin (24 June 2008)
Sci. Signal. 1 (25), pe31. [DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.125pe31]
 |  Abstract »  |  Full Text »  |  PDF »

EDITORIAL GUIDES
Focus Issue: A Sharp Focus on Cell Signaling

Elizabeth M. Adler, Lisa D. Chong, and Nancy R. Gough (8 April 2003)
Sci. STKE 2003 (177), eg5. [DOI: 10.1126/stke.2003.177.eg5]
 |  Full Text »  |  PDF »